Move-Out

Frequently Asked Questions about Recycling, Composting, and Waste

Are Frozen Food Packages Recyclable?

Frozen food boxes (made out of paperboard) are not recyclable because they are sprayed with a plastic coating that protects the contents against freezer burn. Once the material has this coating, it does not break apart as pulp in the cardboard recycling process.

Any box with this type of plastic coating (or waxy coating) is not recyclable.

However, frozen food packages made from cardboard or film plastics (frozen food bags or pouches) are recyclable on campus.

In general, paperboard boxes are recyclable, so long as

they haven't gotten wet

they haven't been exposed to oil or grease (this is why pizza box bottoms aren't recyclable)